Camino History, Yellow Arrows & End of the World: 38 Caminos of Wisdom

Описание: In this episode of The Way to Your Why Podcast, host Efraín Mendoza (Camino Wonders) sits down with Anton Pombo, a longtime Camino expert living in Galicia near Fisterra (Finisterre),and a pilgrim who has completed 38 Caminos since his first one in 1984.

Anton shares how a university course on medieval history unexpectedly led him to bike from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago in the early days—when signage was scarce, albergues were rare, and getting lost was part of the adventure. From there, the conversation turns into a masterclass on what makes the Camino transformative: time, slowness, community, hospitality, and the deep history behind the yellow arrows and the Camino renaissance.

We also explore why Fisterra & Muxía are a powerful “true ending” to many pilgrimages, the role of pilgrim associations (like American Pilgrims on the Camino), and how the Camino can feel like a real therapy for modern life.

✅ If you’re planning your Camino (or dreaming about it), this episode will inspire you, and give you practical perspective from someone who has lived the Camino for decades.

Mentioned in this episode

Starting the Camino in 1984

The transformation from bike to walking

Via de la Plata (why it demands respect)

El Salvador (León → Oviedo) + Camino Vasco del Interior

The legacy of Elías Valiña and the yellow arrows

The Camino as “therapy” for modern life

Why Fisterra & Muxía complete the pilgrimage

Hospitality, humility, companionship as Camino values

The role of American Pilgrims on the Camino and hospitalero volunteering

Anton’s guide work and Camino info (paper → digital era)

Chapters
01:20 Meet Anton Pombo, 38 Caminos & Life in Galicia (Fisterra)
01:54 Estrella del Camino (Courtesy of Estrella Galicia)
07:24 How Anton Started the Camino de Santiago (1984)
10:12 Camino on Foot vs Bicycle, Why Walking Changes the Experience
13:29 How the Camino de Santiago Transforms Lives
16:01 Hospitaleros & Pilgrim Associations, Giving Back on the Camino
21:07 Is the Camino de Santiago a Therapy for Modern Life?
32:36 Camino de Santiago Then vs Now, History & Revival
42:03 American Pilgrims & the Global Camino Community
50:20 Camino to Fisterra & Muxía, The True Ending After Santiago
56:31 Three Core Camino Values: Humility, Companionship & Hospitality

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